by 
Dili, 18/11/2024: His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Dr. José Honório, together with representatives from the Secretariat of State for Equality (SEI), KOICA, UN Women, and Legal Social (JU’s), conducted the launch of the Zero Tolerance Strategy for Sexual Harassment in Higher Education Institutions program last Monday, at Hotel Timor in Dili.
The main goal of this program is to implement measures to prevent and combat sexual harassment in higher education institutions across Timor-Leste. This initiative targets 19 higher education institutions nationwide to ensure a safe and harassment-free environment, preventing sexual violations and gender-based violence in schools, universities, and institutes in Timor-Leste.
In his speech, His Excellency the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Dr. José Honório, stated: “The launch of this program represents a positive result, and we must start now to implement prevention measures and Zero Tolerance for Sexual Harassment in our country. We begin today and will continue moving forward.”
The program featured the signing of a memorandum of understanding with partners, along with the signing of a plaque marking the commencement of the program’s implementation in higher education institutions in Timor-Leste, symbolizing its commitment. The program’s implementation will be led by the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture, in collaboration with the Secretariat of State for Equality (SEI) and international partners, including KOICA, UN Women, and Legal Social (JU’s).
The session was attended by representatives from higher education institutions in Timor-Leste, international agencies, religious bodies, students, and staff from the Ministry and other relevant institutions.
